Best On: Tech Transfer

Robert EhrlichMaryland (R)
He hasn't pledged the vast sums to tech transfer that others have, but Ehrlich considers the state's cheap and effective TEDCO program, which provides small amounts of bridge financing to eligible start-ups, his pet project. Companies average $35 in additional funding for every $1 they receive from the state.

Jennifer GranholmMichigan (D)
Granholm created a fund of $2 billion to build on the University of Michigan's reputation as a tech transfer center.

Kathleen SebeliusKansas (D)
She championed a $500 million, 10-year commitment to furthering bioscience. Among other things, the initiative will match bioscience firms with state universities.

Jim DoyleWisconsin (D)
Doyle signed a bill that makes $300 million available for seed and early-stage tech companies tied to academic research. He has also pushed to ease restrictions on state university faculty members starting companies.